Mental & Emotional Health

ENCORE: Melatonin—Not Just for Insomnia and Jet Lag, Part 1
January 7, 2025
Headlines are sounding alarms over the widespread use of melatonin—especially as a sleep aid for young kids. Dr. Deanna Minich has authored a comprehensive review of melatonin, in which she likens it to vitamin D in its potential utility for a variety of ailments—not just for insomnia and jet lag, but also for metabolic syndrome and diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, autoimmune conditions, eye problems, tinnitus, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, viral infections, and even ADHD and autism. Additionally, melatonin may confer anti-aging benefits. She affirms its overall safety, but cautions that some formulations are sketchy and may contain contaminants or vastly exceed or undershoot their claimed melatonin content. She discusses how modern life, with its ever-present artificial light, shift work, and travel across time zones may disrupt our circadian rhythms and put us in a state of darkness deprivation, with consequent melatonin depletion. For many conditions less is more, and use in children should be limited to special cases. Dr. Minich also emphasizes that lifestyle factors like properly timed light and darkness exposure, blue blocker glasses and screen apps, exercise and diet are cornerstones to optimal melatonin production, with melatonin supplements constituting only part of a holistic approach. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Dry Mouth
January 1, 2025
Should my stepson take a genetic test to evaluate his risk for pancreatic cancer?; I had abdominal surgery last month. What can I do or take to minimize scarring?; I have dry mouth. What treatments can I use to restore saliva?; Could metoprolol be contributing to my restless legs syndrome?; I've been diagnosed with a chemical imbalance and prescribed Zyprexa. What are your thoughts? Click HERE for part 1.

From Burnout to Balance: Israa Nasir’s Guide to Sustainable Productivity, Part 1
November 19, 2024
Understanding Toxic Productivity: Israa Nasir, MHC-LP, author of TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, delves into the concept of toxic productivity, its parallels with addiction, and its impact on mental and physical health. Nasir provides insights into how to recognize and combat toxic productivity by developing emotional awareness, setting boundaries, and embracing intentional and sustainable habits. She also details the importance of community, mindfulness, and valuing personal well-being over relentless achievement. Click HERE for part 2.

From Burnout to Balance: Israa Nasir’s Guide to Sustainable Productivity, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Israa Nasir, MHC-LP, author of TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: A Unified Theory of the Root Cause of All Psychiatric Disorders, Part 1
September 4, 2024
In "Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More," Dr. Christopher Palmer offers a unified theory of the root cause of all psychiatric disorders. It’s a matter of deficits in metabolic function, which can be triggered by a variety of insults including environmental toxins, poor diet, sleep deficits, altered microbiome, inflammation, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. State-of-the-art imaging studies reveal the role that brain energy deficits play in a multitude of disorders. In his clinical practice of psychiatry, Dr. Palmer utilizes a ketogenic diet to upregulate the efficiency of brain mitochondria, resulting in dramatic symptom remission. He decries the “band-aid” approach of of conventional psychiatry which prioritizes symptom relief via drugs—generally incomplete—over a search for underlying precipitants, which can yield more comprehensive recovery. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: A Unified Theory of the Root Cause of All Psychiatric Disorders, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Christopher Palmer, author of "Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health--and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More." Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Digital Addiction and Our Mental Health Crisis, Part 1
August 27, 2024
Digital Madness: How SOCIAL MEDIA is Driving Our MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS—and How to Restore Our Sanity is a new book by today’s guest, Dr. Nicholas Karderas. He details how social media is eroding our attention spans, and fostering binary thinking—akin to a mass epidemic of borderline personality disorder. Dr. Kardaras points out how highly immersive social media are an evolutionary mismatch for our hunter-gatherer brains. He proposes a dose of classic philosophy and ethics to gird ourselves against digital media’s pernicious influences, and describe effective treatment programs for digital addicts. Dr. Karderas declares against censorship but calls for reining in the power and reach of social media behemoths. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Digital Addiction and Our Mental Health Crisis, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Nicholas Karderas, author of "Digital Madness: How Social Media Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis--and How to Restore Our Sanity." Click HERE for part 1.

Leyla Weighs In: Nourishing Your Brain–The Link Between Diet and Mental Health
August 16, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” on the significant link between poor diet and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. She highlights recent studies that reveal how unhealthy eating habits can lead to detrimental changes in brain chemistry and structure. Leyla emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes in integrative and functional medicine, suggesting that food quality is crucial for mental well-being. She shares practical advice on managing cravings and urges through techniques like 'urge surfing' and mindfulness. This episode underscores the message that adopting a healthy diet can mitigate stress and improve overall mental health.

Mental Mastery: Techniques for Optimal Performance with Brandon Epstein, Part 1
August 6, 2024
Mental performance coach Brandon Epstein is author of "Programmed to Fail: How to Break Through Your Mental Block and Achieve Greatness." He discusses the mental aspects of performance, the influence of negative programming, and how belief systems shape reality. Brandon shares insights from his work with elite athletes and executives, as well as his personal journey of overcoming significant challenges, including weight loss and financial recovery. The conversation delves into practical strategies for achieving success in both athletic and everyday life endeavors, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one's authentic self and overcoming subconscious barriers. Click HERE for part 2.